A major fire broke out at Folkestone’s Grand Burstin Hotel at about 2am, prompting the evacuation of around 280 guests. No deaths or injuries have been reported, while firefighters continue tackling the blaze and authorities have urged residents to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed.

The fire is believed to have started in the hotel’s basement, though its cause remains unknown. Twenty-six fire engines initially attended, with ten still at the scene; evacuees were given temporary shelter at The Harbour Inn and a council welfare centre, while some guests reported smoke inhalation, minor injuries and lost belongings. The hotel previously housed asylum seekers, including about 130 people in 2014 and 59 in 2019.